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THE REEDER 2021
OR NEWS
In Memoriam
Tributes to ORs and friends whose deaths we have sadly learned about this year.
William (Bill) English (1948) December 1931 to January 2020 We were saddened to receive news from Bill’s daughter, Sarah, informing us that he had sadly passed away in January 2020. Here are a few words of tribute from the family. Bill was born in County Durham in 1931 and, due the loss of his father when he was aged two, started at Reed’s in 1942, leaving in 1948. At School, he inherited the nickname ‘Joe’, the moniker which his older brother – Derek – had also held. Even in his early teens during the War years, he knew he wanted to be an artist. He got his diploma in painting at Sunderland College of Art in 1952 which was followed by four years at the Royal Academy Schools where he was awarded the silver medal for painting. He then taught at Leeds College of Art before new horizons were opened up by a year travelling on the continent courtesy of a Travelling Scholarship awarded from the Royal College of Art. Bill was an able draughtsman, equally at home with portraiture, still life and landscape subjects. Bill regularly exhibited in mixed exhibitions in London and around the country, and had solo exhibitions throughout his life. After Leeds and travelling, for five years Bill was Head of Pre-Diploma Studies at Harrogate School of Art. He was Head of Fine Art at Derby College of Art and Design (1964 to 1967) and at Trent Polytechnic in Nottingham (1967 to 1972). He completed his professional career with 16 years as Principal of the then Norwich School of Art from 1972 to 1988. To all these posts, he brought openness to the specific needs
of the place. He was an everencouraging enabler rather than a manager, and involved in all the School’s creative areas; not just fine art, but complementary studies, graphic design, sculpture, the Foundation course. At the same time, he immersed himself with terrific energy in the local art scene. Only two years after joining the Norfolk Contemporary Art Society, he was elected its Chair. Further afield, Bill was always an active member of the Chelsea Arts Club, becoming its Chairman in 1989-90. After retiring from Norwich School of Art in 1988, Bill and Helen’s time was divided between their home in Norwich and their Spanish retreat near Figueres in the north east of Spain. They were married for over 54 years until her death in 2013 and have four children, seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
Robert Davies (Capel 2008) December 1989 to May 2020 We are indebted to Robert’s mother, Ann, for this heart-warming tribute to her son. Our deepest condolences are extended to her and the whole family.
Robert was born on Christmas Eve 1989, absolutely the best Christmas present ever! As a young boy he set his heart on going to Reed’s. At his entrance interview, Mr Jarrett, the Headmaster at the time, asked him why he wanted to come to the school. Robert didn’t hesitate: ‘For the long holidays.’ Fortunately this honesty didn’t count against him and Robert went on to enjoy life at Reed’s and always remained proud of, and interested, in the School.
